Donald Pleasence: Master of the Macabre: A Biography

Master of the Macabre vividly chronicles the remarkable journey of Donald Pleasence, a young man from the north of England who rose to become one of the 20th century's most beloved character actors. With his famously unblinking eyes and a remarkable talent for understatement, Pleasence captivated audiences, often portraying villains and psychopaths—from Dr. Crippen to the notorious Blofeld in the James Bond classic You Only Live Twice ("I shall look forward personally to exterminating you, Mr. Bond"). A true maestro of the sinister, bizarre, and quirky, Pleasence's extensive filmography includes iconic roles in The Great Escape, Soldier Blue, The Eagle Has Landed, and the Halloween series. He also gave a memorable performance as the tramp in Harold Pinter's The Caretaker, both on stage and screen. In this first biography of Pleasence, Marlon Thayne takes readers on an enthralling journey through the actor's life. From his happy childhood in a working-class family to years of struggle in repertory theatre, his harrowing experience as a prisoner of war in Germany, and ultimately his triumphant success on stage, television, and screen—this book offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the life of a truly mesmerizing talent.